HTK versus UW solution for myocardial protection during moderate hypothermia

The objective of this study was to assess the protective capacity of UW solution in comparison to Bretschneider's (HTK) cardioplegic solution under moderate hypothermic conditions (25 degrees C), as those usually present during intraoperative myocardial protection. Ischemia-induced alterations of cardiac function parameters were analyzed and compared for each solution after 45 min of ischemic storage and 60 min of reperfusion with oxygenated Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB), using a rat working-heart model. Compared to nonischemic values, left-ventricular systolic and diastolic pressure, +dp/dtmax and -dp/dtmax were significantly better maintained in the HTK (95 mm Hg, 7 mm Hg, 2,657 mm Hg/s and 2,122 mm Hg/s) than in the UW group (76 mm Hg, p < 0.05, 11 mm Hg, p < 0.05, 1,745 mm Hg/s, p < 0.05 and 1,600 mm Hg/s, p < 0.05). Concerning the myocardial contents of ATP, creatine phosphate and the energy charge, a minor decrease was observed after preservation in HTK compared to UW solution. The results of this study indicate superior myocardial protection with the use of HTK solution for protection of the heart at 25 degrees C compared to UW solution.